Abstract: A pet grooming tool that includes a base portion 2, a plurality of teeth extending therefrom with at least two different respective tip lengths 3, 4; and a blade edge 5 extending between at least some of said plurality of teeth. The blade edge forms a U-shape between said at least some of said plurality of teeth.

Abstract: An animal tethering assembly includes an anchor that may be inserted into ground. A leash unit is removably coupled to the anchor. The leash unit includes a leash that may be attached to an animal thereby restricting movement of the animal. The leash is selectively urged outwardly from the leash unit. Moreover, the leash is selectively retracted into the leash unit.

Abstract: An apparatus with a roll of one or more pick-up bags for a pet includes: (i) a handle, (ii) a push button, (iii) a roll of one or more plastic pick-up bags, (iv) a plastic housing (v) a nylon leash, (vi) a nylon cord, and (vii) a leash lock. The user holds the pet leash apparatus using the handle. The plastic housing includes: (i) a cavity, (ii) a snap, and (iii) a metal rod. The cavity encloses the roll of one or more plastic pick-up bags. The snap locks to the metal rod. The nylon cord attaches to the leash. The nylon leash is attached to the collar of the pet using the metal clasp. The nylon leash is retractable. The leash lock allows the user to lock or release the cord when the user presses the push button.

Abstract: We disclose a medical toilet that comprises one or more medical devices and a control for the metrics they collect. The medical devices may be used to collect metrics relevant to a user's health status. The medical toilet further comprises a conduit through which volatile organic compounds travel from the toilet bowl to the environment outside the toilet. An animal trained to identify the scent of bodily waste collected from a user that is afflicted with a disease perceives the scent of the user's bodily waste traveling through the conduit and performs a defined act upon perceiving the disease scent. The metric collected by the medical device(s) may be used to diagnose the same disease as that which the animal is trained to identify. The diagnosis provided by the animal by way of the conduit acts as a control for the metric collected by the medical device.

Abstract: A system for moving a beehive. The system includes a hive enclosure for housing a bee colony with a hive entrance to the hive enclosure. An insect detector is configured to identify undesirable insects attempting to access the hive enclosure. A door is configured to exclude the undesirable insects detected by the insect detector from passing through the hive entrance. An autonomous vehicle is coupled to the hive enclosure and is configured to automatically move the hive enclosure from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: An aquaponics system including a rearing tank of a rearing system and cultivation beds of a cultivation system, wherein the cultivation beds are arranged vertically in two or more stages. The system includes a rearing and cultivation circulating system in which liquid in the rearing tank is supplied to each of the cultivation beds, and the liquid in each bed is returned to the tank, to thereby circulate through the tank, beds, and tank. Fish and shellfish can be reared in the rearing tank and a plant can be cultivated in the cultivation beds, with the liquid circulating through the circulating path. Both a cultivation circulating system in which the liquid circulates through the water storage tank, the cultivation beds, and the water storage tank, and a rearing circulating system in which the liquid circulates through the rearing tank, the water storage tank, and the rearing tank may be arranged.

Abstract: Genetically modified cells, tissues, and organs for treating or preventing diseases are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the genetically modified cells and non-human animals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an automated mass rearing system for insect larvae. The automated mass rearing system can facilitate hatching, feeding, monitoring the growth and emergence of insect larvae and pupae. In some embodiments, the automated mass rearing system can include a production unit, a transportation unit, a storage unit, a dispensing unit, and a monitoring unit. In some embodiments, this automated mass rearing system can facilitate mass mosquito growth from egg hatching all the way through to full adults or certain stages in between such as the larvae rearing process (i.e., from larvae to pupae) with little or no human intervention. By automating the rearing and transportation of insect eggs, larvae, and pupae, deaths or developmental issues can be minimized. Various techniques and apparatuses are used in this automation that causes minimal disturbance to the insects during development, and thereby maximizing survival rate and fitness of the insects.

Abstract: A skin for reclaiming a used or protecting a new fishing lure, a double-wrapped lure, and a related method of making the lure skin, and readying it and shrink wrapping it around a fishing lure, include: (a) a shrink wrappable, paper-thin polyester sheet; (b) a design printed on the polyester sheet, the polyester sheet comprising a design-free zone along its longitudinal side edges; (c) the lure skin forming a tubular shape with open opposite ends for receiving the fishing lure, the longitudinal side edges being adhered to one another, forming a central, lower seam; and (d) between about one and about four spaced apart skin holes in the central, lower seam, each hole corresponding to a belly hook eyelet of the fishing lure. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: An underwater, self-sticking, artificial ultraviolet light source used to aid in the catching of fish is disclosed.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a reel body having a front chamber and a rear chamber, a spool hub rotatably mounted in the rear chamber, a drive shaft having a rear shaft segment rotatably mounted in the front chamber, a drive tube sleeved on the drive shaft to be rotatable relative to the drive shaft, and an output wheel which is sleeved on the drive tube, and which is coupled to drive the spool hub to rotate. When the drive tube is driven to rotate, the output wheel is driven by the drive tube to rotate at a first speed. When the drive shaft is driven to rotate, the drive tube is driven by the drive shaft to rotate via a gear unit, to thereby drive the output wheel to rotate at a second speed different from the first speed.

Abstract: A spool for a dual-bearing reel is rotatably disposed in a reel body. The spool includes a bobbin trunk, a first flange and a second flange. The bobbin trunk enables a fishing line to be wound about an outer periphery thereof. Each of the first and second flanges includes an inner wall surface and an outer peripheral surface. The inner wall surface is provided on one end of the bobbin trunk. The outer peripheral surface extends axially outward from a distal end of the inner wall surface. Additionally, the distal end of the inner wall surface of the first flange has a larger outer diameter than the distal end of the inner wall surface of the second flange. The inner wall surface of the first flange and the outer peripheral surface of the first flange are connected through a smooth curved surface.

Abstract: A system, and method for trapping biting or blood-seeking flying insects, including a host-seeking stage module configured to trap target insects in a host-seeking stage thereof, and comprising a lure including an olfactory cue configured to attract the target-insects in the host-seeking stage, and a first suction mechanism configured with suction to suck the target insects in the host-seeking stage near the lure into a first container; and a ovipository stage module configured to trap target insects in an ovipository stage thereof, and comprising a water reservoir configured to attract gravid females seeking to deposit eggs thereon, and a second suction mechanism configured with suction to suck the gravid females from the water reservoir into a second container.

Abstract: A light irradiation device includes: at least one imaging means that images a monitoring region to continue to accurately irradiate a moving target with light; at least one projection means that irradiates the monitoring region with signal light; a control means that controls the imaging means to image the monitoring region and controls the projection means to emit the signal light; at least one propeller that moves the own device in the air; and a flight control means that controls flight of the own device by controlling the propeller, the control means controlling, when recognizing a light irradiation target to be irradiated with the signal light on image data imaged by the imaging means, the projection means to emit the signal light toward the light irradiation target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic generator for repelling harmful animals. The invention comprises a columnar ultrasonic wave generating body 18 which has a piezoelectric element 16 and a connecting body 22 and a smaller-diameter connecting body 24 each having a reduced diameter, a diaphragm 28 which is in the form of a speaker horn, and a connecting rod 26 which extends from the ultrasonic wave generating body 18 and connects and fixes the diaphragm 28 to an end thereof. The thickness of the diaphragm 28 gradually decreases from the base 34 connected to the connecting rod 26 toward an outer edge of the diaphragm 28 and one or more undulated portions 36 are formed concentrically on the front face of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A duck call device is disclosed for emitting sounds resembling Widgeon duck sounds. The device includes a barrel having an open proximal end configured to make airtight contact with the user's lips, and an open distal end. The device also includes an open resonant chamber sealed circumferentially within the barrel, the open resonant chamber formed by an open convex dome sealed circumferentially to an open concave dome, each dome having a similarly sized central hole in coaxial relationship with the barrel. The open resonant chamber is sized, shaped, and made from a material so as to easily produce a realistic sound of a widgeon duck when a user sucks air in through the barrel. The open resonant chamber is substantially symmetric in that the open convex dome is a mirror reflected version of the open concave dome. The barrel includes a loop for securing a lanyard. No reed is used.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a cryopreservation composition comprising a permeating cryoprotectant, a saccharide and a macromolecule. The cryopreservation composition has a low toxicity to cells and tissues, and promotes survival and retention of viability of the biological material during cryopreservation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the handling of biological samples, for example, the holding, manipulating and culturing of biological samples. In one form the invention provides an overlay encapsulant for an in vitro cell culture comprising a synthetic compound and in another aspect the invention provides methods of temporarily encapsulating an in vitro cell culture comprising a synthetic compound. The invention has use in relation to the culturing and more particularly the encapsulation of biological samples, such as for example zygotes, embryos, oocytes, stem cells, sperm located in a culturing space, relevant pluripotent derivative(s) and/or differentiated progeny, intact or dispersed tissue and/or intact organism(s).

Abstract: An agrichemical composition comprises a clay material, a metal chelate material and a quaternary ammonium material. In some instances the agrichemical composition provide superior and synergistic performance in comparison with otherwise analogous agrichemical compositions that do not include at least one of the clay material, the metal chelate material and the quaternary ammonium material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wetting agent compositions and methods for making and using the wetting agent compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional wetting agents. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.

Abstract: A composition comprising a pesticide and a certain carboxylic acid amide, i.e. isononanoic acid N,N-dimethyl amide, is described herein. Also disclosed is a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesirable plant growth and/or undesirable insect or mite infestation and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the composition is allowed to act on the respective pests, the habitat thereof or the plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesirable plants and/or the crop plants and/or the habitat thereof. Furthermore, use of the carboxylic acid amide as a solvent for pesticides with no or low phytotoxicity is described.

Abstract: An herbicide composition available as a concentrate for dilution with water or a ready-to-use oil-in-water emulsion which has a significantly reduced amount of active ingredient of a broadleaf herbicide. The composition combines the reduced amount of herbicide in a mixture of oil and emulsifier.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a composition and/or method may include a rodenticide binding system formulated for safe and effective mixture into various feed rations which are fed to monogastric and ruminant animals such as poultry, swine, cows, cattle, and fish, among others. The rodenticide binding system includes novel combinations of one or more of an organoclay, an activated hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate clay, and a synthetic hectorite clay. In some embodiments, the binding composition may include organoclay, bentonite, hectorite, Leonardite, and/or any combination thereof. The toxin binding complex may effectively bind some pesticides (e.g., rodenticides) in the animal's digestive system, preventing their absorption and the consequent damages to the animal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a bio-cellulose sheet without a supporting means, in which the bio-cellulose sheet includes coconut and contains a preservative including a plant extract, a bio-cellulose sheet product including the bio-cellulose sheet without a supporting means, and production methods thereof. The bio-cellulose sheet without a supporting means and the product including the same have a high content of a cosmetic composition, are less irritating to the skin, and are convenient to use. The use of the methods for producing the bio-cellulose sheet without a supporting means and the product including the bio-cellulose sheet results in increased efficiency and a reduced production cost.

Abstract: A reactive antibacterial compound and a preparation method thereof are provided herein. The reactive antibacterial compound is represented by the general formula (I) or (II): wherein R1 represents OCN-L-NHCOOR?, OCN-L-NHCONHR?, OCN-L-NHCOSR?, OCN-L-COOR?, or OCN-L-COONHR?. G1 represents OCN-M-NHCOOG?, OCN-M-NHCONHG?, OCN-M-NHCOSG?, OCN-M-COOG?, or OCN-M-COONHG?. L, M, R? and G? independently for each occurrence represent divalent alkyl and cycloalkyl having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by up to 18 heteroatoms. R4 and G4 independently for each occurrence represent a divalent alkyl and cycloalkyl having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by at most 18 heteroatoms. G2 and G3 independently for each occurrence represent —H, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, —OCH3, —OCH2CH3, —OPr, —CN, —SCN, —NO, —NO2, a monovalent unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms. Z and X independently for each occurrence represent —COO, —SO3, or —OPO2OR5.

Abstract: What is described herein is a synergistic preservative composition capable of providing broad spectrum antimicrobial activity comprising: (i) about 0.1 wt. % to about 99.9 wt. % of propylene carbonate; (ii) about 0.1 wt. % to about 99.9 wt. % of one or more organic compounds, and wherein, inclusion of each additional organic compound is capable of demonstrating cumulative synergistic effect; and (iii) optionally about 0.1 wt. % to 99.0 wt. % of one or more preservative compounds, and wherein, inclusion of each preservative compound is capable of demonstrating cumulative synergistic effect, wherein the Synergy Index (SI) value of the total composition is from about 0.05 to about 0.95. Also described is a process for preparing said composition and method of use of the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising (A) a compound of formula (I): wherein R1 is methyl or methoxy, R2 is hydrogen, methyl or ethoxy and A is a substituted heteroaryl group, or an N-oxide or salt form thereof, and (B) one or more further herbicides; as well as the use of such compositions in controlling plants or inhibiting plant growth.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to binary compositions that disrupt ORco-mediated odorant sensing. In particular, compounds and compositions are provided that can inhibit sensory (e.g., host targeting) functions in organisms that express ORco receptors such as airborne insects, e.g., mosquitoes, and ticks. Method of employing such agents, and articles incorporating the same, are also provided. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to synergistic mixtures of orthophenolphenol and/or its sodium salt with isothiazolinones and the use of the synergistic combinations in industrial applications.

Abstract: An aqueous composition includes boric acid in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 5 wt %; benzalkonium salt in an amount of 0.001 wt % to 3 wt %; pyrethrin in an amount of 0.001 wt % to 0.1 wt %; solubilizing agent in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 5 wt %; a bug repellent essential oil blend in an amount of 0.05 wt % to 1.5 wt %; and synergistic agent in an amount of 0.001 wt % to 1.0 wt %.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to compositions including a copper/silica nanocomposite and a polymer, methods of making a composition, methods of using a composition, and the like. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides for a composition, among others, that includes: a copper/silica nanocomposite having a silica gel matrix that includes copper from one or more of copper nanopartides and copper ions, and a polymer selected from the group consisting of: polyvinylpyrrolidone, poryacrylamide, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, starch, a quaternary ammonium compound, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include a new Bacillus thuringiensis strain designated RTI545 for use in benefiting plant growth and controlling plant pests. In particular, the RTI545 strain is useful for controlling plant nematode, insect and fungal pests. The compositions include plant seeds coated with the RTI545 strain. The compositions can be applied alone or in combination with other microbial, biological, or chemical insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, bacteriocides, herbicides, plant extracts, plant growth regulators, or fertilizers. In one example, enhanced growth and insect control are provided by delivering at the time of planting a combination of a chemical insecticide such as bifenthrin and a liquid fertilizer to plants or seeds treated with RTI545.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for efficiently producing and delivering double stranded RNA (dsRNA) are provided. Vector constructs useful for in vitro and in vivo expression of dsRNA are described. Also described are cell expression systems for efficient and cost-effective production of dsRNA in living cells and methods and compositions for providing the expressed dsRNA to target organisms. The described compositions and methods can be used to produce RNA molecules for screening or other uses, and to amplify RNA sequences for analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides a synthetic combination of a crop and at least one fungal endophyte, wherein the crop is a host plant of the endophyte. Provided are also methods and compositions for producing such synthetic combinations. The endophyte reproduces and enhances the agronomic characteristics of the crop. Methods for inoculating the host plant with the endophyte, for propagating the host-endophyte combination, and for detecting the presence of the endophyte and of its metabolites within a host plant are also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment of plants against pathogens, elimination of insects and to increase the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables that includes coating the plant with undiluted aloe vera gel.

Abstract: A rounding device and method of rounding that provides improved rounding of semi solid material portions by introducing changes or variations in the contours or profiles of rounding bars to produce one or more changes in the axis of rotation of the semi solid material portion along the working length of the one or more contoured rounding bars and round the surfaces of the semi solid material portion with greater uniformity and consistency. By changing the axis of rotation of the semi solid material portion in the working length of the variable contour rounding bar one can improve the rounding and avoid blemishes and deformities that occur to the surface of the semi solid material portion in existing devices.

Abstract: An automated pan shaker has a central longitudinal axis and a central lateral axis. The automated pan shaker includes a shaker assembly that has a carriage assembly, a clamping assembly supported by the carriage assembly and an actuation assembly. The actuation assembly further includes an actuator post connected to the carriage assembly, a first actuator assembly that includes a first actuator linkage connected to the actuator post, and a second actuator assembly that includes a second actuator linkage connected to the actuator post. Also disclosed is a method for inducing orbital movement in a bakery pan using a plurality of offset actuation assemblies.

Abstract: An automated system and method for manufacturing a cone-shaped food product holder requires the coordinated use of a forming unit, a conveyor unit and a control unit. In their combination, the forming unit rotates a conically-shaped bake form at a constant angular velocity ?. Simultaneously, the conveyor unit advances a bread dough strip on a conveyor belt at a constant linear velocity v, for deposit of the bread dough strip onto the bake form. In order to account for the conical configuration of the bake form, the actions of the forming unit and the conveyor unit are coordinated by the control unit. Specifically, the control unit moves the conveyor unit with a predetermined rotation relative to the forming unit to form the food product holder on the forming unit for subsequent baking.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions derived from edible plant sources such as essential oils, their active components, spices and plant extracts have shown antimicrobial effects against a number of foodborne pathogens. The foodborne pathogens of concern in meat and poultry products include Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. The antimicrobial compositions were applied to a meat surface using liquid or powder electrostatic spray systems to effectively reduce the amount of pathogens on various meat and poultry products.

Abstract: A pasteurization device comprising an insulated heating tub, a metal grid heat sink, 69° C. melt-point paraffin wax, wherein the metal grid heat sink and the paraffin wax are combined inside the insulated heating tub; a temperature sensor connected to a microprocessor controlled device, suitable to measure temperature and to generate an alarm, a top plate, and a material suitable to cover the wax; wherein the top plate comprises a plurality of openings corresponding to an opening in the metal grid heat sink of suitable size to accept a baby bottle; wherein the insulated heating tub can be heated to at least 73° C. and wherein the microprocessor controlled device provides an audible tone upon the temperature sensor reading 73° C. for at least 30 seconds.

Abstract: It is presented a method for producing a lactose reduced milk product. The method comprises feeding milk through a microfiltration (MF) device to obtain a MF permeate and a MF retentate, feeding said MF permeate through an ultrafiltration (UF) device to obtain an UF permeate and an UF retentate, feeding said UF retentate through a nanofiltration (NF) device to obtain a NF permeate and a NF retentate, combining said NF permeate with said MF retentate into said lactose reduced milk product, and hydrolyzing said lactose reduced milk product to further reduce lactose content of said lactose reduced milk product.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a sterilized human milk product from raw human milk, and sterilized human milk product compositions obtained thereby, are provided. The method includes sterilizing the milk using a countercurrent heating process. The temperature of the milk is raised to a target temperature for a duration of time that is refined to provide a sterilized human milk product with low overall bioburden while also maintaining nutritional quality. As such, the sterilized milk product is suitable for ingestion by premature infants.

Abstract: This disclosure features human milk permeates and compositions containing the same obtained from fractionated whole human milk. The oligosaccharide rich permeate and permeate compositions of the present invention are useful as nutritional supplements for pre-term and full term infants, for establishing or maintaining gut flora and for treating the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: A liquid edible dip that includes a first lactose based composition, a second lactose based composition, at least one spice, and a cucumber extract based bitter-blocking agent that can block the bitter tastes present in certain edible foods. The cucumber extract based bitter-blocking agent can modify, reduce, or block the bitter taste present in some edible foods. The first lactose based composition may be a strained yogurt and the second lactose based composition may be an evaporated milk powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-step emulsification process for preparing a lipid and protein component-containing composition comprising large lipid globules, preferably coated with polar lipids, and to the compositions obtained thereby. Optionally, the lipid and protein component-containing composition is spray-dried. The obtained compositions are for feeding infants and young children.

Abstract: A s'more holder may have a gripping portion and a handle connected therebetween with a shaft. The gripping portion holds the components of the s'more so that the camper can rotate the components of the s'more in a campfire. The gripping portion has an upper cover and a lower support pivotally attached to each other. The upper cover and the lower support are spaced apart from each other so that a marshmallow disposed therebetween pushes the upper cover and lower support away from each other when the gripping portion is in the closed position to place the components of the s'more under compression and prevent rattling of the components of the s'more within the gripping portion as the camper rotates the gripping portion in the campfire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for coating a frozen confection, the composition comprising 10 to 50 wt. % dry glucose syrup with a DE (Dextrose Equivalent) below 40, and a total amount of mono and di-saccharides below 10 wt. %, and a water activity below 1.0 and 35 to 70 wt. % fat. The invention also relates to a process for making the composition.

Abstract: Described are stable, durable granules with active agents, which have consistently low internal water activity, and methods for making such granules. The granules are particularly suitable for inclusion in steam treatment processes, including pelleting and tableting processes and steam processing of feed, without appreciable loss of active agent activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing granules for a fish feed or an assorted feed aid, and more particularly, a method for preparing organic coating porous granules for a fish feed or an assorted feed aid using the blood of livestock and clay minerals. The present invention is to provide granules for a fish feed or an assorted feed aid, wherein the granule contains useful minerals, such as zeolite and bentonite, suitable to be used for a feed, and includes an organic coating layer mainly composed of proteins formed on a surface of the granule by using the blood (let blood) of livestock, so that the time while water infiltrates into pores inside the granule mainly composed of inorganic substances is delayed, thereby obtaining having excellent fluidity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composition for improving mouthfeel of beverages, comprising: a hydrolyzed beta-glucan characterized by an average molecular weight (Mw) of about 50,000 to 350,000; and a hydrolyzed arabinoxylan, characterized by an average molecular weight (Mw) of about 50,000 to about 350,000. Also provided are methods of improving the mouthfeel of a beverage product by adding to it a composition of the disclosure.